Space Division Multiplexing in Short Reach Optical Interconnects

Many technical capabilities of space division multiplexed systems like low loss and crosstalk have been established in numerous long-haul system experiments. Recently more attention has been given to applications of space division multiplexing for short reach systems, including data center transmission and sensing applications. Short reach systems may be the first high volume application, as space division multiplexing for short reach systems has fewer remaining technical challenges. In addition to higher bandwidth density, space division multiplexed systems offer potential advantages in lower power consumption and cost. In this paper we present penalty-free bit error ratio results down to $10^{-12}$ from system tests on 200 meters of 8-core multicore fiber with fan-outs and up to 2 km in dual-core multicore fiber with connectors and fan-outs.